The experience of the disciples in the upper room that first Easter night as described in our gospel for this weekend is comparable to ours today.  Like the disciples who were locked in the upper room because of fear, we too have been in a similar situation.  The pandemic has “locked” us in our own upper room for fear of the virus.  Like the disciples, we too experience confusion, disappointment, impatience, and hopelessness. But the Risen One knows what we go through in life.   Hence, the Lord continues to be with us to guide us and strengthen us in the midst of this difficult time.

What I find very interesting in the gospel is how Jesus breathed the Spirit upon the disciples.  and immediately upon receiving the Spirit they were alive again.  They began to unlock the doors not only to breathe life once again, but also to be witnesses of the power of God’s love.  It was the Spirit that  gave them courage to go out to boldly proclaim the good news.  It was the Spirit the Spirit that gave them the wisdom teach and preach.  It was the Spirit that helped them to understand, to forgive, and to love.

This same Spirit was breathed upon us on the day of our Baptism. And it is this same Spirit that was sealed upon us in the Sacrament of Confirmation to receive the gifts needed as beloved children of God.  But the Spirit is not meant to be contained.  It is not meant to be kept only for our own use.  The Spirit shakes us up, stirs us, enflames us to go and share that very gift.

As the Spirit-filled community we must radiate the fruits of the Spirit that is each one of us.  Peace, not so much the absence of war or conflict, but to know that God continues to be with us guiding us and encouraging us.  Love, that is to extend the compassion and mercy of God to all regardless of who that person is. Joy because it is not fleeting, but rather something that is imbedded in our hearts.  Joy comes from believing and trusting that God loves us and will never abandon us.

This weekend as we celebrate our Feast Day, the Solemnity of Pentecost, it is fitting that we give thanks for the gift of the Spirit which is so active and alive in our prayers, in our liturgies, in our concerns for one another, and in our ministries reflecting God’s love beyond the boundaries of our parish community.

The doors of our “upper rooms” are now unlocked, all we have to do is open the door and walk into that realm where we can be physically present once again in our celebration of the Holy Eucharist to praise God for the gift of the Holy Spirit – the source of our strength to love and care for one another. And may Mary, the Mother of Christ, and our Mother too, pray for us and nurture us in discerning where the Holy Spirit leads us!

I wish all of you a Blessed and a Happy Feast Day!